Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Woman of Canaan explained
This chapter recounts the story of the Canaanite woman who persistently sought Jesus' help despite initial refusal, demonstrating faith and humility.
What happens
This chapter recounts the story of the Canaanite woman who persistently sought Jesus' help despite initial refusal, demonstrating faith and humility. It teaches that earnest prayer and perseverance will be rewarded, and that even those outside Israel can be accepted through faith.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The woman's persistent faith in Jesus' power and mercy, despite initial rejection, exemplifies true trust.
Prayer and Dependence on God
The chapter illustrates the importance of persevering prayer and dependence on God's grace, as the woman's plea is eventually answered.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Initially silent to the woman's plea, then tests her faith, and finally grants her request, revealing his heart.
- The Woman of Canaan
A Canaanite woman who persists in prayer, acknowledges her unworthiness, and demonstrates great faith.
Key passages
“I Prayer an answer will obtain, Though the Lord awhile delay; None shall seek his face in vain, None be empty sent away.”
Prayer will be answered even if the Lord delays; no one who seeks Him will be disappointed.
The opening stanza sets the theme of confident, persistent prayer.
“She was not of Israel’s seed, But of Canaan’s wretched race; Thought herself a dog indeed; Was not this a hopeless case?”
She was a Canaanite, not an Israelite, and considered herself as lowly as a dog, which seemed hopeless.
Highlights the woman's humility and the seeming impossibility of her situation.
“Yet although from Canaan sprung, Though a dog herself she styled, She had Israel’s faith and tongue, And was own’d for Abram’s child.”
Even though she was a Canaanite and called herself a dog, she possessed the faith and language of Israel and was recognized as a child of Abraham.
Emphasizes that faith, not ethnicity, makes one a child of Abraham.
“Jesus then his heart reveal’d: “Woman, canst thou thus believe? I to thy petition yield, All that thou canst wish receive.””
Jesus then revealed his heart, saying, 'Woman, do you believe this? I grant your request; receive all you wish.'
Jesus commends her faith and grants her request, showing his willingness to answer persistent prayer.